How does the Xiaomi Redmi Note perform against the Asus Zenfone 5?
Confused about which performs better - The Xiaomi Redmi Note or The Asus Zenfone 5? Make an informed choice with this elaborate comparison of specifications and features of both devices.
So the budget phablet is out, and it seems to have an impossibly low price tag. Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note hold up to scrutiny in comparison with the high standards set by its predecessors in the sub Rs 10,000 phablet market? After all, a low budget smart device is of no use if its capabilities are stunted. Here we take a look at how the Xiaomi Redmi Note compares to the Asus Zenfone 5. First, the look, display and processor
The Redmi Note has what the market wants – a big screen and a low price at only Rs 8999, and the same MIUI software in other hottest selling devices by the Chinese brand like the Redmi 1S and Xiaomi Mi 3. It looks great, rather like the Redmi 1S with a glossy white rear cover. The removable battery is easy to take off. The body feels durable but the back cover tends to smudge easily.
In comparison, the Zenfone 5, priced between Rs 9,849 and Rs 10,399 has a tad smaller screen at 5 inches (in comparison to the Redmi Note's 5.5. inch screen). The Zenfone 5 weighs a little less too, at 145 grams in comparison with the Redmi Note's 199 grams. A point where the Zenfone 5 loses out is the fact that the battery is not removable. At the same time, the Zenfone 5 comes in a variety of colours – red, black, white, gold and purple, which might make it more attractive to some users.
Both phones have 1280X780 HD displays, so there is no comparison on the pixel count. A Gorilla Glass 3 coating protects both screens from scratches. The Zenfone 5, however, has larger buttons, icons and font sizes.
The Redmi Note has a 1.7 GHz eight core MediaTek MT6592 processor that apparently uses all eight cores for superior performance, which compares very well with other higher end phones in the market. The Zenfone 5 in comparison comes with a 1.6 GHz dual core Intel Atom Z2560 processor whose Hyper-threading technology compares well with other quad core devices. To sum up, the Xiaomi offering does not lose out much in processor efficiency or speed. The Camera Performance
The Redmi Note wins hands down in specs with its 13 MP camera and 5 MP front camera in comparison with the 8 MP Zenfone camera and 2 MP front camera. Both cameras have LED flash, but the Redmi Note camera also offers auto-focus, FHD 1080p video recording, and HDR shooting mode. However, the shooting capabilities of both phones are more or less similar despite the vast difference in specs. Battery, Software and Other Features
The Redmi Note has a better battery – 3,200 mAh – in comparison with the Zenfone's 2,110 mAh battery. It can last longer than a day with moderate use, while it is doubtful if the Zenfone's battery can last even an entire day.
When it comes to the software, both stand equal with personal choice determining which one will suit you. The Zenfone runs on Android 4.3 Jellybean upgradable to 4.4 KitKat, and a Zen UI that offers variations from the standard Android. The Redmi Note runs on 4.2 Jellybean with no news on upgrades, but a very user friendly Lite Mode in a MIUI version 5 interface. The Verdict
Both phones are similarly priced, but if you are looking for a phablet with a powerful processor for high end applications, the Redmi Note is your best option. The Zenfone 5 is good for those okay with a smaller display, but a better build quality and display quality.
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I think Asus is better.